Arizona is truly a one-of-a-kind state. Known primarily for its weather and landscape, its diverse geography features deserts, mountain ranges, forests, and canyons. In addition to the scenery, Arizona is full of unique historical landmarks, artwork, and food. Read on for a list of things to do, see, and eat in sunny Arizona!
Do: Outdoor Activities
Arizona is a paradise of outdoor activities. Here are a few places to explore to your heart's content:
The Grand Canyon
It’s no secret why Arizona is known as the “Grand Canyon State.” Visiting the Grand Canyon is an absolute must when you visit Arizona. The Grand Canyon National Park is home to most of this amazing landform. The Canyon stretches 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and 1 mile deep, giving you a full day of nature to explore.
Visit the Grand Canyon National Park’s official website for everything you need to know about planning a trip there.
The Painted Desert
The Painted Desert is a 10,000 acre stretch of Arizona known as one of the nation’s most beautiful natural landscapes. The Desert is located within the Petrified Forest National Park and features vibrantly colored rock formations. The colorful effect is created by layers of sediment containing high levels of iron, manganese, and other colorful compounds.
When you visit the Painted Desert, the landscape is sure to take your breath away.
Sedona
Sedona’s awe-inspiring landscape features red rock formations dotted with the deep green of pine forests. The area is also said to contain some of the planet’s most potent “vortexes,” where many New Age visitors go to find balance, creative energy, and well-being.
Learn more about Arizona’s Red Rock Country at Sedona’s official website.
Route 66
A drive on iconic Route 66, also known as the Main Street of America, is a uniquely charming and American experience. It is one of the nation’s first highways and winds through most of northern Arizona. Once you start in Kingman, AZ, known as the heart of Route 66, you can soak in the incredible scenery as you visit more quirky stops along the way.
Classic American diners, Wigwam Motels, and many other treasures await you along this historic highway drive.
See: Art & Culture
Arizona is full of fascinating art and culture. It is the home of Spanish, Mexican, and Native American cultural landmarks and museums.
The Heard Museum
Founded in 1929, the Heard Museum is internationally recognized for its extensive and elaborate collection of American Indigenous art. The museum collects, preserves, and presents items ranging from historic artifacts, fine art, sculpture, and jewelry.
The Heard Museum is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and is worth the trip.
Experience the Old West
If you’re a fan of Western films, Arizona is your happy place. Southern Arizona is full of places that retain an authentic Old West atmosphere. For example, Tombstone is a historic mining town that is home to the Boothill Graveyard, Birdcage Theater, and the O.K. Corral. When you visit, there are exciting, live reenactments of famous Old West shootouts.
Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is the perfect place to learn about our nation’s Western heritage. From rotating exhibits showcasing the legacy of the West to interesting Western artifacts, there's tons to learn at the Museum.
Explore Navajo Interactive Museum
With the help of Navajo scholars and the Navajo arts community, the Explore Navajo Interactive Museum was created to provide a vivid and interactive experience for its visitors. The museum celebrates and features the beautiful culture of the Navajo people. There are also Navajo escorts that teach visitors cultural traditions, family systems, and beliefs. These first hand accounts allow visitors to get first-hand accounts of Navajo living.
Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
Located in downtown Tucson, the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block encompasses an entire city block. It features exhibitions of Latin American and American Western art.
The museum also features educational classes, tours, and a gift store.
Eat: Local Cuisine
Arizona’s diverse cultural history has created a delicious culinary scene. When you're out exploring Arizona, you’ll find everything from modern Southwestern fare to traditional Native American dishes created thousands of years ago.
Chimichangas
The Chimichanga is a delectable Arizona creation. Created at the El Charro Café in Tucson, AZ, a chimichanga is essentially a deep-fried burrito. The El Charro Café is known as the nation’s oldest family-owned Mexican restaurant. The family serves delicious chimichangas in both of its Tucson and Oro Valley locations, so you won’t miss out on this Arizona treat.
Steak
Next, live out your Old West fantasies at one of Arizona’s many incredible steakhouses. The state serves, “Cowboy Steaks” that are quite common in Arizona’s major cities. There's Mastro’s City Hall in Scottsdale, Durant’s in Phoenix, and Pinnacle Peak in Tucson. However, if you're looking for a variety of options, there's also a list of Arizona’s best steakhouses here.
Fry Bread Tacos
“Fry bread” is a traditional Native American food, made simply by deep-frying dough. The Fry Bread House in Phoenix serves delicious fry bread tacos with refried beans, chile beef, salsa, tomatoes, and lettuce. If you're looking for more authentic fry bread, visit Manna from Heaven in Tucson, which is one of the most famous, nationally-recognized places for fry bread.
Menudo
Lastly, Menudo is a classic Mexican soup made from tripe (cow stomach) and hominy (ground corn). Because tripe takes so long to prepare, Menudo requires several hours to cook. It is commonly served with onions, serrano chilies, lemon, lime, and oregano.
You can find Menudo at most Mexican restaurants in Arizona, but Teresa’s Mosaic Café in Tucson is a great choice.
Visit Arizona as a Travel Nurse with Gifted Healthcare
From its jaw-dropping scenery to its unique Southwestern cuisine, Arizona is a fantastic place to explore as a Travel Nurse. Learn more things to do in Arizona, and apply to be a nurse in the Southwest today! Check out our openings in Arizona here or contact a recruiter today!
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